Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What challenge is Forgotten Voices trying to address?

A: Every single day in Zimbabwe and Zambia more children are orphaned than there are people in three jumbo jets. While the number of orphans in Africa has been exponentially growing, so has something else - the Christian Church. In the last 100 years the number of Christians has grown from 9 million to 540 million – the Church is everywhere in Africa. You see, the African church has changed, but the way the American church partners with the African church has not. We strive to innovate orphan care to both care for children more effectively and more appropriately partner with the local churches who know how to best respond.

Q: What is Forgotten Voices doing to equip churches to empower children orphaned by AIDS?

A: We distinctively equip churches with:

• Custom Plans: There are many things that we could provide for children, but local caregivers are already providing some things themselves. Our process helps churches assess physical & spiritual needs, then the creation of custom plans fills the remaining gaps. Some children may receive school fees and water, while another child receives food and counseling. More people are helped with less money, while building dignity.

• Quiet Investments: We then quietly fund these custom plans to a level that allows the church to try and sustain itself over time through income generation activities, supported by us, if needed. Local volunteers carry the plans out. Whenever possible, children and care providers that benefit don't know about Forgotten Voices. The on-going relationship is with the local church, not us.

• Flexible Partnerships: For too long the traditional system of orphan care has been rigid. Our model has a built-in review throughout the partnership that allows each church to dynamically allocate funds based on the changing needs of each child.